Contamination resistant reusable healthcare isolation gown

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to isolation gowns, including isolation gowns of the type used by medical and health personnel. A benefit to the isolation gowns can be providing an improved facility of donning and doffing the isolation gowns. An additional benefit to the isolation gowns can be an improved protection of the wearer from contact with contaminated body fluids or other potentially infectious materials.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/068,629, filed Aug. 21, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to isolation gowns, including isolation gowns of the type used by medical and health personnel. A benefit to the isolation gowns can be providing an improved ease and speed of donning and doffing the isolation gowns. An additional benefit to the isolation gowns can be an improved protection of the wearer from contact with contaminated body fluids or other potentially infectious materials.

BACKGROUND

Isolation gowns are routinely used in medical and other health care settings by personnel such as doctors, nurses, and nurse's aides, and in healthcare settings including hospitals, medical clinics, or research laboratories, where there is a possibility of coming into contact with contaminated body fluids. The isolation gowns provide a necessary protection for the wearer, especially in circumstances where patients may have infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, that can be transmitted through contact with body fluids. Currently available isolation gowns are often little more than single-use plastic trash bags or cloth sprayed with water repellant. They provide little protection for the wearer. Isolation gowns that are currently available are generally donned and doffed by the tying or untying of ties behind the neck and the back, often with the help of another person, such as a nurse. Standard isolation gowns may have sleeves that end with flexible bands near the wrist to provide a better fit.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 has created a world-wide pandemic that has stretched medical resources and personnel to the breaking point. Many health care providers cannot spare afford to lose a single medical worker to infection. Many health care providers are struggling to maintain critical supplies of protective gear.

There is a need for affordable isolation gowns capable of multiple uses. There is a need for isolation gowns that can be easily donned and doffed by the wearer. There is a need for isolation gowns that help the wearer reduce the likelihood of spreading highly infectious liquid or droplet-borne diseases, such as COVID-19.

SUMMARY

Embodiments herein are directed to isolation gowns. In various embodiments, an isolation gown includes a main body and sleeves, wherein the sleeves and at least a portion of the main body are formed from a liquid-resistant fabric, wherein the main body comprises a front area and a back area, wherein the main body and the sleeves have inner and outer surfaces, wherein each sleeve has a sleeve end, wherein the main body comprises a neck opening that extends around an upper portion of the main body, wherein the back area comprises a mid-back area and is split into a left back panel and a right back panel, wherein the left back panel and the right back panel have panel edges, and wherein the neck opening terminates at the panel edges of the left back panel and the right back panel. In an aspect, each sleeve includes one or more hand stirrups affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of the sleeve, and the hand stirrups are located adjacent to each sleeve end. In an aspect, one or more non-tying fasteners is affixed to the left back panel or the right back panel and adjacent to the neck opening. In another aspect, at least one mid-gown fastener includes a back strap attached to the mid-back area of the left back panel or the right back panel, and a front strap attached to a front area of the main body; or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the hand stirrups include a thumb loop, a finger loop, an elastic band, an elastic cord, a toggle cord lock, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the hand stirrups comprise one or more stirrup fasteners. In certain embodiments, the stirrup fasteners include at least one set of complementary stirrup fastening members, wherein each stirrup fastening member is affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of each sleeve. In certain aspects, the stirrup fasteners include a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, a release tab, a release loop, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the liquid resistant fabric comprises a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a washable fabric, a polyester fabric, a polyester cotton blend fabric, a coated fabric, a plastic fabric, a multilayer fabric, a polypropylene fabric, a polyethylene fabric, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the liquid resistant fabric includes a water repellant composition.

In certain embodiments, the one or more non-tying fasteners comprises a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, a release tab, a release loop, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the left back panel and the right back panel are configured to overlap when the non-tying fastener is fastened.

In certain embodiments, the one or more mid-gown fasteners is affixed adjacent to the left back panel edges or the right back panel edges. In certain aspects, the one or more mid-gown fasteners each comprises at least two mid-gown fastening members, wherein each of the at least two mid-gown fastening members is affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of the left back panel or the right back panel. In certain embodiments, the mid-gown fastener is configured to fasten over the front area of the gown. In certain embodiments, the one or more mid-gown fasteners comprises an elastic band, and elastic cord, a toggle cord lock, a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, release tab, release loop, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the back strap has a length of from about 37 cm to about 89 cm; or the front strap has a length of from about 24 cm to about 77 cm; or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the back strap and the front strap have a back strap to front strap length ratio of about 10:15 to about 30:35.

Embodiments herein are directed to an isolation gown. In certain embodiments, the isolation gown includes: a main body and sleeves, wherein the main body includes a front area and a back area, wherein the main body includes a neck opening that extends around an upper portion of the main body, wherein the back area includes a mid-back area and is split into a left back panel and a right back panel, and wherein the sleeves comprise hand stirrups located adjacent to a sleeve end. In certain embodiments, one or more non-tying fasteners is connected to the left back panel or the right back panel and adjacent to the neck opening. In certain embodiments, at least one mid-gown fastener includes a back strap attached to the mid-back area of the left back panel or the right back panel and a front strap attached to a front area of the main body; or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings. For the purpose of illustration, there are shown in the drawings some embodiments, which may be preferable. It should be understood that the embodiments depicted are not limited to the precise details shown. Unless otherwise noted, the drawings are not to scale.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an isolation gown according to an embodiment herein.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic back view of an isolation gown according to an embodiment herein.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a portion of an isolation gown sleeve end according to an embodiment herein, shown fitted over the hand of a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise noted, all measurements are in standard metric units.

Unless otherwise noted, all instances of the words “a,” “an,” or “the” can refer to one or more than one of the word that they modify.

Unless otherwise noted, the phrase “at least one of” means one or more than one of an object. For example, “at least one of a single walled carbon nanotube, a double walled carbon nanotube, and a triple walled carbon nanotube” means a single walled carbon nanotube, a double walled carbon nanotube, or a triple walled carbon nanotube, or any combination thereof.

Unless otherwise noted, the term “about” refers to ±10% of the non-percentage number that is described, rounded to the nearest whole integer. For example, about 100 mm, would include 90 to 110 mm. Unless otherwise noted, the term “about” refers to ±5% of a percentage number. For example, about 20% would include 15 to 25%. When the term “about” is discussed in terms of a range, then the term refers to the appropriate amount less than the lower limit and more than the upper limit. For example, from about 100 to about 200 mm would include from 90 to 220 mm.

Unless otherwise noted, properties (height, width, length, ratio etc.) as described herein are understood to be averaged measurements.

Isolation gowns are widely used in hospital, clinic, and other healthcare settings. The gowns are worn by healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, nurse aides, and visitors, in the course of treating or handling patients with potentially contagious diseases, infections, or compromised immune systems.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 has created a world-wide pandemic that has stretched medical resources and personnel to the breaking point. Many health care providers cannot spare afford to lose a single medical worker to infection. Many health care providers are struggling to maintain critical supplies of protective gear. The spread of COVID-19 has also made it safer for medical personnel work at a “social distance” from each other. The quick outbreak of COVID-19 has forced many health care providers to work with a minimal staff.

Combining these factors, many health care providers need isolation gown that can be safely and easily donned and doffed by the wearer without assistance from anyone else. In addition, a concern with the use of isolation gowns is preventing contamination with potentially infectious or contaminated body fluids, not only while wearing the gowns, but while donning or doffing the gowns. Isolation gowns in current use are generally equipped with ties that tie at the back of the neck and at the middle or side of the back. Healthcare staff often help each other to don and doff each other's gowns, which helps to minimize potential exposure to contaminants. However, with the outbreak of COVID-19, many healthcare facilities are short staffed, or can at times be challenged with a large number of patients in a single facility. Under such circumstances, healthcare professionals often find it necessary to don or doff their own isolation gowns. The time-consuming act of tying or untying of such ties can increase risks of infection when self-donning or self-doffing such gowns. For example, dealing with the ties during the donning and doffing process by oneself requires reaching around the back of one's neck and behind one's back to tie or untie the gown. This act is physically awkward and brings the wearer's potentially contaminated elbow into close proximity to the wearer's face for a significant duration of time. And that's if the ties are easily tied and untied. What happens if a knot forms? The accidental formation of a knot in the tie can make the donning and doffing of the isolation gown time consuming, much more awkward, and increase the likelihood of spreading infection even more by forcing the wearer to keep their elbows near their face while they struggle to untie the knot.

The sleeves of currently available isolation gowns often have weakly elastic bands at the sleeve ends to allow fitting at the wrists. However, the sleeves of conventional isolation gowns can easily slide down the forearm, which exposes the forearm potential exposure of the wearer to body fluids. The sleeves of conventional isolation gowns can easily slide over or next to the hand, increasing the possibility of being accidently brought into contact with bodily fluids. Then the bodily fluids on the outside of the sleeve can be accidently touched by the wearer when wearer tries to take off or doff the isolation gown.

Embodiments of an isolation gown herein can provide benefits of greater ease and more efficient donning and doffing of the gown, including the donning and doffing being performed by the wearer of the gown. Such embodiments can provide benefits of increased protection of the wearer against exposure to body fluids and other potentially infectious materials during the processes of donning and doffing the gown. Embodiments of an isolation gown herein can provide benefits of improved fit, including an isolation gown having adjustable fitting features. Such embodiments can provide benefits of greater protection of the wearer against exposure to contamination not only during the donning and doffing procedures, but also in the course of wearing the gown while providing patient care.

Embodiments of Isolation Gowns

An embodiment of an isolation gown as disclosed herein is shown in FIG. 1 . Isolation gown 100 has main body 102, sleeves 104, front area 106, and back area 108, where main body 102 and sleeves 104 have inner and outer surfaces 110, each sleeve 104 has sleeve end 112, the main body 102 has a neck opening 114, where the back area is split into left back panel 116 and right back panel 118, where left back panel 116 and right back panel 118 have panel edges 120, where each sleeve has hand stirrup 122 affixed to inner surface or outer surface 110 of the sleeve and adjacent to sleeve ends 112, non-tying fasteners 124 affixed to the left back panel 116 and right back panel 118 and adjacent to neck opening 114; and front strap 126 attached to front area 106 of main body 102.

An embodiment of an isolation gown as disclosed herein is shown in FIG. 2 . Isolation gown 200 has main body 202, sleeves 204, and back area 206, wherein the main body 202 and sleeves 204 have inner and outer surfaces 208, each sleeve has sleeve end 210, main body 202 has neck opening 212, back area 206 has mid-back area 214 and is split into left back panel 216 and right back panel 218, the left back panel 216 and right back panel 218 having panel edges 220; each sleeve 204 has hand stirrups 222 affixed to inner surface or outer surface 208 of each sleeve end 210; non-tying fasteners 224 affixed to left back panel 216 and right back panel 218 and adjacent to neck opening 212; and back strap 226 attached to mid-back area 214 of left back panel 216.

An embodiment of an isolation gown as disclosed herein is shown in FIG. 3 . Sleeve end portion of isolation gown 300 has outer surface of sleeve 302, sleeve end 304, and hand stirrup 306 affixed to sleeve outer surface 302, shown worn over hand 308.

In various embodiments of an isolation gown disclosed herein, the isolation gown includes a main body and sleeves, wherein the main body includes a front area and a back area, and the main body and the sleeves have inner and outer surfaces. In various embodiment, the back area of the main body is split into a left back panel and a right back panel, wherein each of the left back panel and the right back panel have panel edges. In various embodiments, the main body includes a neck opening that extends around an upper portion of the main body, and the neck opening terminates at the panel edges of the left back panel and the right back panel. In various embodiment, each sleeve has a sleeve end. In various embodiment, the sleeves have a length that covers the arm of the wearer to the wrist area.

In various embodiments of an isolation gown, the sleeves and at least a portion of the main body are formed from a liquid-resistant fabric. In various embodiments, the liquid resistant fabric includes a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a washable fabric, a polyester fabric, a polyester cotton blend fabric, a coated fabric, a plastic fabric, a multilayer fabric, a polypropylene fabric, a polyethylene fabric, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the liquid resistant fabric includes a water repellant composition. Such a water repellant composition can in certain embodiments include a water repellant coating applied to the fabric of the isolation gown. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of increasing the resistance of the fabric of the isolation gown to the passage of liquids, including body fluids, thus increasing the degree of protection of the wearer against exposure to potentially contaminated body fluids in the course of providing care for patients. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of enabling embodiments of the isolation gown to be cleanable and reusable for multiple uses.

The liquid-resistant fabric of certain embodiments can be a disposable fabric, so that the isolation gown may be disposed of after a single use. One benefit of this embodiment is the avoidance of the time and cost of cleaning the isolation gown between uses.

In some embodiments, the liquid-resistant fabric is washable, so that the isolation gown can be laundered between uses and worn a number of times before disposal. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of conserving vital equipment necessary for the protection of healthcare personnel, as well as helping to reduce costs associated with purchasing such equipment, that may be in great demand but short in supply. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of reducing medical waste and environmental impact.

In various embodiments, the isolation gown can be formed of one or more pieces of the liquid-resistant fabric. In certain embodiments, the isolation gown can be formed including a continuous seamless piece of the liquid-resistant fabric. In certain embodiments, the liquid-resistant fabric can have one or more seams that form the main body and sleeves of the isolation gown; such seams can include heat-sealed seams, stitched seams, double-stitched seams, triple-stitched seams, overlapped seams, French seams, taped seams, and combinations thereof. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of increasing the resistance of the liquid-resistant fabric to the passage of liquids, thus increasing the degree of protection of the wearer against exposure to potentially contaminated body fluids in the course of providing care for patients.

In an aspect of an isolation gown disclosed herein, each sleeve includes one or more hand stirrups affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of the sleeve, with the hand stirrups being located adjacent to each sleeve end. In certain embodiments, the hand stirrups include a thumb loop, a finger loop, an elastic band, an elastic cord, a toggle cord lock, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the hand stirrups include the hand stirrup are elastic or non-elastic cloth that is positioned or configured to extend between the thumb and index finger of the wearer when the gown is worn. Embodiments of hand stirrup fasteners herein can thus provide a benefit of greater ease and efficiency of releasing the sleeve ends from the hand and wrist areas, for easier and more efficient doffing of the gown. Unlike with elastic bands, the hand stirrup allows the wearer's own grip to maintain the position of the sleeve end. Such embodiments also can provide a benefit of minimizing the risk of contamination during the doffing of the gown.

In certain embodiments, the hand stirrups comprise one or more stirrup fasteners. In certain embodiments, the stirrup fasteners include at least one set of complementary stirrup fastening members, wherein each stirrup fastening member is affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of each sleeve. In certain aspects, the stirrup fasteners include a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, a release tab, a release loop, or a combination thereof. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of securing the sleeve ends of the isolation gown in place over the wrist and hand areas of the wearer, thus preventing the gown sleeves from sliding up during wear. Certain embodiments of hand stirrups herein can provide a benefit of an adjustable fit of the gown's sleeve ends. Hand stirrup fastener embodiments herein can also provide an ability of the wearer to grasp and release the fastening members from each other. Embodiments of hand stirrup fasteners herein can thus provide a benefit of greater ease and efficiency of releasing the sleeve ends from the hand and wrist areas, for easier and more efficient doffing of the gown. Such embodiments also can provide a benefit of minimizing the risk of contamination during the doffing of the gown.

Certain embodiments of an isolation gown herein include one or more sleeve straps affixed adjacent to the sleeve ends, or alternatively to a wrist area or to an arm area of the sleeves. In certain embodiments, the one or more sleeve straps can include an elastic band, an elastic cord, an adjustable band, a toggle cord lock, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the one or more sleeve straps can include one or more non-tying fasteners or non-tying bands. For example, the sleeve end can include non-tying adjustable bands capable of being tightened or loosened by the wearer using snap buttons, a buckle, or a hook and loop fastener.

In certain embodiments, the non-tying fasteners for the sleeve include at least one set of complementary fastening members, wherein each fastening member is affixed to an outer surface of each sleeve area. In certain aspects, the non-tying fasteners include a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, a release tab, a release loop, or a combination thereof. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of securing the sleeve ends, the wrist areas, or the arm areas of the isolation gown in place over the wrist, hand and arm areas of the wearer, thus preventing the gown sleeves from sliding up or down during wear. Certain embodiments of sleeve straps herein can provide a benefit of an adjustable fit of the gown's sleeves or sleeve ends. Sleeve strap embodiments herein can also provide an ability of the wearer to grasp and release the fastening members from each other. Embodiments of sleeve fasteners herein can thus provide a benefit of greater ease and efficiency of releasing the sleeves and sleeve ends from the hand, wrist and arm areas, for easier and more efficient doffing of the gown. Such embodiments also can provide a benefit of minimizing the risk of contamination during the doffing of the gown.

In certain embodiments, one or more non-tying fasteners is affixed to the left back panel or the right back panel and adjacent to the neck opening. In such embodiments, the non-tying fasteners can include at least one set of complementary fastening members, wherein each fastening member is affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of the left back panel or the right back panel. In such embodiments, the non-tying fasteners can include at least one set of complementary fastening members, wherein each fastening member is affixed through a strap to an inner surface or an outer surface of the left back panel or the right back panel, wherein one or more of the straps has a length of from about 1 cm to about 5 cm. In certain embodiments, the one or more non-tying fasteners includes a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, a release tab, a release loop, or a combination thereof. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of securing the neck area of the isolation gown in place efficiently and easily, without the necessity of tying or untying the neck area. Certain embodiments of non-tying fasteners affixed to the neck opening herein can also provide a benefit of an adjustable fit of the gown's neck area. Non-tying fastener embodiments herein can also provide an ability of the wearer to grasp and release the fastening members from each other at the neck area. Embodiments of non-tying fasteners herein can thus provide a benefit of greater ease and efficiency of releasing the neck area of the gown, for easier and more efficient doffing of the gown. For example, non-tying fasteners avoid the accidental formation of knots. Such embodiments also can provide a benefit of minimizing the risk of contamination during the doffing of the gown.

In another aspect, the isolation gown includes a mid-gown fastener to secure the gown at the mid-gown or waist area. In certain embodiments, the mid-gown fasteners can be straps positioned and/or configured for tying over the front area of the gown. In certain embodiments, at least one mid-gown fastener includes a back strap attached to the mid-back area of the left back panel or the right back panel, and a front strap attached to a front area of the main body; or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the non-tying fasteners can include at least one set of complementary fastening members, wherein each fastening member is affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of the left back panel or the right back panel, and to an outer surface of the front area of the main body. In certain embodiments, the one or more non-tying fasteners includes a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, a release tab, a release loop, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the left back panel and the right back panel are configured to overlap when the non-tying fastener is fastened. In such embodiments, either the back strap attached to the left back panel or the right back panel can be brought from the back to the front area, and fastened or tied over the front strap during donning. In such embodiments, either the back strap attached to the left back panel or the right back panel can be unfastened or untied over the front strap during doffing. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of securing the mid-body area of the isolation gown in place efficiently and easily, without the necessity of tying or untying over the mid-back area of the isolation gown or wearer thereof. Certain embodiments of non-tying mid-body fasteners herein can also provide a benefit of an adjustable fit of the gown's mid-body area. Non-tying fastener embodiments herein can also provide an ability of the wearer to grasp and release the fastening members from each other at the front area, without the necessity of reaching around to the mid-back area in order to release the fastening members. Embodiments of non-tying fasteners herein can thus provide a benefit of greater ease and efficiency of securing and releasing the mid-body area of the gown, for easier and more efficient donning and doffing of the gown, especially by the wearer. Such embodiments also can provide a benefit of minimizing the risk of contamination during the doffing of the gown, especially by the wearer.

In certain embodiments, the one or more mid-gown fasteners is affixed adjacent to the left back panel edges or the right back panel edges. In certain aspects, the one or more mid-gown fasteners each comprises at least two mid-gown fastening members, wherein each of the at least two mid-gown fastening members is affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of the left back panel or the right back panel. In certain embodiments, the mid-gown fastener is configured to fasten over the front area of the gown. In certain embodiments, the mid-gown fastener is configured to fasten at the mid-back area of the gown. In certain embodiments, the mid-gown fastener is configured to fasten in such a way that overlaps the left back panel and the right back panel. In certain embodiments, the mid-gown fastener is configured to fasten in such a way that the left back panel and the right back panel do not overlap. In certain embodiments, the one or more mid-gown fasteners comprises an elastic band, and elastic cord, a toggle cord lock, a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, release tab, release loop, or a combination thereof. Embodiments of non-tying fasteners herein can provide a benefit of greater ease and efficiency of fastening and un-fastening of the fastening members, thus allowing easier securing and releasing of the mid-body or the mid-back area of the gown for donning or doffing. Such embodiments also can provide a benefit of minimizing the risk of contamination during the doffing of the gown.

In certain embodiments, the back strap has a length of from about 37 cm to about 89 cm; or the front strap has a length of from about 24 cm to about 77 cm; or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the back strap and the front strap have a back strap to front strap length ratio of about 10:15 to about 30:35. Such embodiments can provide a benefit of an adjustable or customizable fit of the isolation gown to the wearer.

Embodiments herein are directed to an isolation gown. In certain embodiments, the isolation gown includes: a main body and sleeves, wherein the main body includes a front area and a back area, wherein the main body includes a neck opening that extends around an upper portion of the main body, wherein the back area includes a mid-back area and is split into a left back panel and a right back panel, and wherein the sleeves comprise hand stirrups located adjacent to a sleeve end. In certain embodiments, one or more non-tying fasteners is connected to the left back panel or the right back panel and adjacent to the neck opening. In certain embodiments, at least one mid-gown fastener includes a back strap attached to the mid-back area of the left back panel or the right back panel and a front strap attached to a front area of the main body; or a combination thereof.

EXAMPLES

Example 1. An isolation gown is formed from a liquid resistant fabric, a washable woven polyester fabric having a water repellant coating. The isolation gown is formed having a main body and long sleeves, where each sleeve end has a hand stirrup affixed to an outer surface of each sleeve end. Each hand stirrup includes a thumb loop that extends from the sleeve end over and between the index finger and the thumb when the gown is worn. The thumb loops are formed from an elastic strap material for ease of fit.

The main body of the isolation gown has a front area and a back area, where the back area has a mid-back area and is split into a left back panel and a right back panel, each having panel edges. The isolation gown main body is formed with a neck opening with edges that terminate at the left back and right back panel edges. Non-tying fasteners are affixed to the left back panel and right back panel and adjacent to the neck opening; these fasteners include two complementary sections of a button fastener, for ease of donning and doffing the isolation gown. The left back panel and the right back panel each have a back strap attached to the mid-back area. Either of the back straps can be grasped and brought around to the front area of the gown, overlapping the left back panel or the right back panel over the opposite back panel around to the front area, where the back strap can be fastened or tied to a front strap attached to the front area of the main body. The front strap has a length of 50.8 cm and back strap has a length of 63.5 cm. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An isolation gown comprising: a main body and sleeves, wherein the sleeves and at least a portion of the main body are formed from a liquid-resistant fabric, wherein the main body comprises a front area and a back area, wherein the main body and the sleeves have inner and outer surfaces, wherein each sleeve has a sleeve end, wherein the main body comprises a neck opening that extends around an upper portion of the main body, wherein the back area comprises a mid-back area and is split into a left back panel and a right back panel, wherein the left back panel and the right back panel have panel edges, wherein the neck opening terminates at the panel edges of the left back panel and the right back panel; and wherein each sleeve comprises one or more hand stirrups affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of the sleeve and the hand stirrups are located adjacent to each sleeve end; or wherein one or more non-tying fasteners is affixed to the left back panel or the right back panel and adjacent to the neck opening; or wherein at least one mid-gown fastener comprises a back strap attached to the mid-back area of the left back panel or the right back panel and a front strap attached to a front area of the main body; or a combination thereof.
 2. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the hand stirrups comprise a thumb loop, a finger loop, an elastic band, an elastic cord, a toggle cord lock, or a combination thereof.
 3. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the hand stirrups comprise one or more stirrup fasteners.
 4. The isolation gown of claim 3, wherein the stirrup fasteners comprise at least one set of complementary stirrup fastening members, wherein each stirrup fastening member is affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of each sleeve.
 5. The isolation gown of claim 3, wherein the stirrup fasteners comprise a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, a release tab, a release loop, or a combination thereof.
 6. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the liquid resistant fabric comprises a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a washable fabric, a polyester fabric, a polyester cotton blend fabric, a coated fabric, a plastic fabric, a multilayer fabric, a polypropylene fabric, a polyethylene fabric, or a combination thereof; and a water repellant composition.
 7. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the one or more non-tying fasteners comprises a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, a release tab, a release loop, or a combination thereof.
 8. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the left back panel and the right back panel are configured to overlap when the non-tying fastener is fastened.
 9. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the one or more mid-gown fasteners is affixed adjacent to the left back panel edges or the right back panel edges.
 10. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the one or more mid-gown fasteners each comprises at least two mid-gown fastening members, wherein each of the at least two mid-gown fastening members is affixed to an inner surface or an outer surface of the left back panel or the right back panel.
 11. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the one or more mid-gown fasteners comprises an elastic band, and elastic cord, a toggle cord lock, a snap closure, a magnetic closure, a magnetic snap closure, a magnetic tape fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a button fastener, a button and loop fastener, a hook and loop tape fastener, a touch fastener, a clip fastener, a clamp fastener, a buckle fastener, a side release squeeze buckle fastener, a ring fastener, a D-ring fastener, a tie fastener, a lobster clasp fastener, release tab, release loop or a combination thereof.
 12. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the mid-gown fastener is configured to fasten over the front area of the gown.
 13. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the back strap has a length of from about 37 cm to about 89 cm; or the front strap has a length of from about 24 cm to about 77 cm; or a combination thereof.
 14. The isolation gown of claim 1, wherein the back strap and the front strap have a back strap to front strap length ratio of about 10:15 to about 30:35.
 15. An isolation gown comprising: a main body and sleeves, wherein the main body comprises a front area and a back area, wherein the main body comprises a neck opening that extends around an upper portion of the main body, wherein the back area comprises a mid-back area and is split into a left back panel and a right back panel, and wherein the sleeves comprise hand stirrups located adjacent to a sleeve end; or wherein one or more non-tying fasteners is connected to the left back panel or the right back panel and adjacent to the neck opening; or wherein at least one mid-gown fastener comprises a back strap attached to the mid-back area of the left back panel or the right back panel and a front strap attached to a front area of the main body; or a combination thereof. 